Monte Solaro, Capri
Climbing monte Solaro in the island of Capri. The path begins in Porto di Marina Grande, right after leaving the boat. It goes up through tiny streets and stairs along the Northern portion of the town of Capri, then begins an almost vertical ascent through Scala Fenicia, a stairway built on the face of the mount in the 7th century B.C. by the Greek colonizers of the island (there are no pictures at this point because I was busy trying to survive the almost 1000 steps).
From there it proceeds less strenuously through Villa San Michele, monte Cappello, and the Eremo di Santa Maria a Cetrella, and arrives in monte Solaro after another ~45° climb. From the top, another trail climbs down to Punta Carena and Sentiero Forino (those will have to remain for another day).
Visiting this type of place in winter is great because they are almost deserted. Outside the city centers, other than the occasional “buongiorno” exchange with a few locals on the sentieri, you have the island mostly for yourself. Well, that and the group I found just after reaching the top, seen in the last couple of pictures.
It's unclear whether the name of the island comes from Greek κάπρος (kápros, “boar”) or Latin caprea (“female goat”), I present evidence for the latter. This group, the only contact with living beings I had that afternoon, was right on the trail leading down to Punta della Chiavica, but they made way as soon as I approached (not without some timid and adorable intimidation attempts from the young males).
semper sursum
